Surgeon Says Pope Leo XIV's Lung Cancer Was Found by Chance, Leaves Hospital After 4 Days
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Oct 18
Surgeon Says Pope Leo XIV's Lung Cancer Was Found by Chance, Leaves Hospital After 4 Days
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Oct 18
Summary
Four days after lung surgery, Pope Leo XIV left Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday as his surgeon said the cancer had been discovered accidentally during tests for other reasons.
Dr. Stefano Margaritora said the tumor sat at the base of the pope's right lung and was visible only because of its position; the 71-year-old had no respiratory symptoms and felt well.
The surgeon described the operation as routine and complication-free, saying the pope was an "ideal patient" during recovery and was already arranging chairs in the hospital chapel on the second day.
Recovery has advanced quickly: Leo celebrated Mass on Thursday, spoke with Vladimir Putin on Friday and remains scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17.
Margaritora used the case to stress prevention, saying early-stage cancers can show no symptoms and are often found only incidentally rather than through targeted screening.